Often, particularly in junior sport, the scoreboard doesn't tell the full story.
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The Rock-Yerong Creek's under 13s team will narrowly miss semi-finals but still head into the off-season full of promise after a positive finish to their season last Sunday.
Up against the might of reigning premiers Turvey Park, the Magpies produced some of their best footy of the season in the second half, even if they were still outscored.
The talented Turvey side put 10 scoring shots on TRYC in the first quarter but the 'Pies held them to one goal in the third term and two in the last.
"Without looking at the scoreboard Turvey beat us in the first half but as for possession and keeping possession, we were on top in the second half of the game, and I said that to the boys and girls," coach Allan Hopkins said.
"That was their best half for the whole year, I reckon."
The Magpies have a bye in this weekend's final round, meaning they can't improve on their three wins but there was plenty to like about the season for the club's only competitive-aged football team in action this winter.
They could match the top teams for intensity at times, but not for firepower. But TRYC did get going against North Wagga and Wagga Tigers, kicking 13 goals in both of those wins.
"They've been really good, it's been a good year ," Hopkins said.
The Magpies might have struggled to field a team for the delayed season but welcomed some Osborne juniors.
Jack Douglas has impressed in the ruck and forward, along with Harry Hopkins, swapping in the same roles. Nick Bowyer has been strong along with James Merrills and younger brother Ben playing up in age (who kicked their two goals against the Bulldogs last weekend).
Lydia Jones and Millie Chisholm have also been strong contributors with their forward pressure.
"They've had a pretty consistent year in the forward line. Lyd nearly kicked a goal on the weekend, she got a behind, but they both get in there and tackle the boys," Hopkins said.
"The whole team has been playing pretty well, overall. We've just come up against better teams."
Hopkins was rapt to be back as coach of a group he had as under 7 Auskickers. He said the young 'Pies have worked hard on the way they attack the footy and improving their marking.
The under 13s football comp has been dominated by Turvey and arch-rivals Eastlakes-Mangoplah-Cookardinia United, who meet in this week's final round to decide the minor premiership.
In the netball, The Rock-Yerong Creek's under 12s enjoyed a memorable 19-7 win against Turvey Park. The Magpies also won the under 10s but the under 15s lost to the Bulldogs' all-powerful outfit which is warming up for finals.
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